Cross for Polish Forces in the West with bar 'MONTE CASSINO': Lieutenant Mikolaj Nikon, 3 Dywizia Strelcow Karpackich, Polish Army

Places
Accession Number REL28721.004
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Medal
Physical description Antiqued Silver
Maker Unknown
Date made c 1990s
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Cross paty with arms in the form of the stylised letter 'V' for victory. In the centre shows a crowned Polish Eagle above an Amazon shield. On the reverse are the words '1939 POLSKIE SILY ZBROJNE NA ZACHODZIE 1945' ('1939 Polish Armed Forces in the West 1945'). A clasp 'MONTE CASSINO' is carried upon the ribbon, which is a dark red and white central stripe with edge stripes in the colours of light blue, black and green, representing the Navy, Airforce and Army respectively.

History / Summary

Associated with the service of Polish serviceman, Lieutenant Nicholas Nikon, who served in the Polish Army and was interned by the Soviet Peoples Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD). After his release from internment in 1941, he served in the Middle East with a Polish Contingent and then fought in Italy at the battle for Monte Cassino in May 1944.